How to Dial In "46 & 2" by Tool - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "46 & 2"
Suggested rig · the original isn't documented.
Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning
Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.
On your amp, these numbers won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
From Ænima (1996). Produced by the band and David Bottrill and recorded at Ocean Way Recording in Hollywood and The Hook in North Hollywood, it is the first Tool album with bassist Justin Chancellor. Adam Jones is tied to Gibson Les Paul Customs, and accounts of the Ænima era describe a Diezel VH4 blended with a Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier, but no source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Les Paul Custom through a Diezel VH4 stands in. Set the amp to a driven crunch and use the bridge pickup. Published transcriptions put it in drop D.
Common Questions About the "46 & 2" Tone
What guitar did Tool use on "46 & 2"?
The guitar on "46 & 2" (released 1996) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Custom above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. The track is in Drop D (D A D G B E), so retune before you dial anything in.
What amp settings does "46 & 2" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, Volume 7. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale; match them on your amp first, then nudge to taste. ToneMirror can translate these positions for whatever amp you actually own.
Can I play "46 & 2" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "46 & 2" tone on a Katana, a Helix, a tube combo, or anything else. The translation accounts for EQ curve, gain structure, and pickup type so the result actually sounds like the record, not just the same knob numbers on different gear.
More Tones You Can Dial In
Tone references for "46 & 2" by Tool are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.